4 Rules to Help Kids Avoid Obesity

When Hansel and Gretel snacked on the witch's gingerbread house, the old hag captured them and tried to fatten them up for feasting. Sort of like the wicked way children are being fattened up today by the soda and processed food industries for tasty profits.

More than 33 percent of North American kids are overweight or obese, and the number of kids who are severely obese is increasing the most rapidly.

No wonder a recent study in JAMA found the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among 10- to 19-year-olds has skyrocketed more than 30 percent since 2001.

Children with Type 2 diabetes are at risk for early complications, including heart disease and vision, kidney and nerve problems. And they'll also have to deal with health issues associated with having Type 2 during their reproductive years - and that increases their children's (your grandchildren's) risk for diabetes too!

It would be downright wicked not to help your kids avoid these problems! So ...

1. No soda or any added-sugar or artificially sweetened beverages in the house ever.

2. Help your kids appreciate nutritious food by shopping for and preparing meals together. And make a pact to share at least one more meal a week! Check out "Healthy Foods & Cooking" at sharecare.com, and google "Cleveland Clinic recipes" for tips, menu plans and recipes.

3. Less than two hours of screen time daily. No TV or computers/tablets in the bedrooms.

4. One or more hours of moderately intense activity every day.

Get out there with them too, Mom and Dad! You'll all feel wicked good!